Criminals, Perpetrators and Victims: A Psychologists Experience | George Karkanis

Gordon interviews George Karkanis, an Athens-based forensic psychologist, psychotherapist, and behavioral analyst, who explains forensic psychology as the study and legal-application of psychology in criminal contexts (offenders, victims, investigations, trials, and reports). George describes transitioning from IT to forensic psychology through counter-trafficking ministry, choosing a role that supports trafficked women without being their therapist, helping them “redefine” men as trustworthy through safe relationships. He discusses psychology as science plus art, emphasizing skillful, adaptive practice beyond rigid protocols, and describes behavior analysis including micro-expressions and communication cues. George shares his special forces paratrooper service and how it built resilience and innovative thinking. He also works with offenders, integrating faith and identity change, and trains Eastern European police and prosecutors on vicarious trauma, proposing four pillars for healing: identity, intimacy, cognition, and emotion.00:52 Meet George Karkanis01:04 What Forensic Psychology Is02:44 From IT to Anti Trafficking04:48 Serving Trafficked Women Safely08:19 Psychology Science and Art13:17 Behavior Analysis Micro Expressions15:54 Skill Versus Knowledge18:54 Special Forces Mindset22:18 Working With Offenders28:38 Restorative Justice Stories31:25 Training Law Enforcement35:55 Healing Vicarious Trauma36:29 Four Pillars Framework40:35 Closing Thanks